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Do you have favorite sayings or idioms that you use? I grew up with these funnies… toodaloo, that’s cool, keep on truckin’, take the bull by the horns, you’re pulling my leg or perhaps, don’t sit on the fence… Although there are many more, my favorite, as I got older was, no matter what, never give up. This saying makes me think of a best loved children’s book, “The Little Engine That Could”. But let’s turn to scripture for a better understanding of scaling a mountain that seems too frightening to climb.

In John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have said these things to you, so that in Me   you may have perfect peace. In the world you have tribulations and distress and suffering, but be courageous (be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy); I have overcome the world.” (My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.) Amplified Version

Jesus had just told the disciples that He was leaving and going to the Father and that the “hour of pain” was at hand but there was future joy to come. With this verse in mind, be encouraged to apply the saying, ‘never give up’ when life’s road is being repaved or your dreams are sabotaged. The Lord God will supply the ability to scale your mountain.

No matter the depth of our circumstances, to be victorious we must bear in mind that we are just passing through this world, for it is not our home. Although your trials may not seem light or momentary, most of our troubles come and go. However, on the scale of eternity, even the most difficult, are but for a moment. In these “light afflictions” God is accomplishing and working in us, far more than we realize.

“There are certain fragrances God can only release through a broken vial.” With that said, I realize there are greater blessings awaiting us when a deeper surrender is accomplished because there is a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. (2 Cor. 4:17) “God will accomplish in us a glory far more than any affliction we have suffered during this present time on earth. “Affliction is not something to be endured in order to reach glory. It is the very process which creates the glory.” (BLB, Commentary on 2 Cor. 4, David Guzik, Morgan) In turn His sustaining grace, enabling us to endure the hardship, creates a heart of thanksgiving to the glory of God. (2 Cor. 4:15)

As we fix our eyes upon the Lord and the unseen, we realize the eternal weight of glory and joy that awaits us. However, if the focus is solely on the suffering, (what is seen) and not on the eternal, what is unseen, it is easy to become bitter and self-absorbed, leading to misery, and missing the inner peace Christ offers.

Prayer: Lord, I am discouraged in my trials, and I cry out to You to help me to never give up. Keep my focus on You and my eyes zeroed in on the eternal glory that awaits me. Alert me when I sink into fruitless meditations on my dilemma which offer no solutions. Keep me from despair as I read your word. Place courage and peace in my heart where it is lacking, knowing that You hear my prayers and see my troubles. As your grace sustains me, and your love surrounds me, may I bring glory to Your name as Your purpose is accomplished in my life. You are the King of all the ages, and You alone will give me resurrection power to overcome every affliction. Amen.

Verses to Read:

2 Corinthians 4 (read the entire chapter in several versions. ESB, Amplified Version, NKJV, NLT

Phil. 4:13

1 Timothy 1:17

Note: Paul faced great trials, but he knew that every death like trial was just a prelude to resurrection power. (Blue Letter Bible, Commentary by David Guzik, 2 Cor. 4)

Put a song in your heart:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.